PrEP IS HERE!

As of March 1st 2018, the daily HIV prevention pill PrEP is a publicly funded medicine in New Zealand - meaning for those who meet certain criteria, it will be available for $5 for a three month supply in local pharmacies.

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Bringing an end to HIV means everyone knows their status. Regular testing also means guys who test positive can access treatment as early as possible.

UNDETECTABLE = SAFE

The main benefit of an undetectable viral load is better quality of life and long-term health outcomes for people living with HIV.
Another great benefit is that if an undetectable viral load can be maintained for 6 months, HIV is not transmitted to sexual partners - even if condoms aren’t being used.

EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED. WE CAN END HIV.

Imagine a future where there are no new HIV transmissions in New Zealand. We now have the tools to stop HIV in its tracks and we can do it by 2025 – but we need to work together.

Going on PrEP is a commitment and is best done under the guidance of a doctor with good knowledge of HIV and sexual health. There are a few key things to be aware of when it comes to PrEP:

PrEP works by maintaining a certain level of drug in the body that can prevent HIV establishing an infection. This means that you have to take the pill every day to maintain this level of drug. Studies have shown that if it is taken every day as prescribed it reduces the risk of getting HIV by up to 99%.

PrEP does not provide protection from any other STIs like syphilis or gonorrhoea which can increase the possibility of HIV infection. So it’s important to keep condoms in the mix and test at least every three months for these other STIs.

It’s important to test for HIV before you start PrEP and every three months while you’re on it – if you use PrEP when you already have HIV it can cause the virus to develop resistance and reduce your options for HIV treatment.

PrEP can affect your kidneys, and also has other potential side effects. You need to have your kidneys checked before you go on PrEP and regularly once you start the medication.

Good sex is more than just sex. Test for HIV at least twice a year.

Testing is free and confidential - and with a rapid test, you can have your results in as little as ten minutes.

There are around 3500 people living with HIV in New Zealand, but over 500 don’t know it.

20% of high-risk gay/bi guys in New Zealand have never had an HIV test.

All men who have sex with other men should be getting tested at least twice a year, or 4 times a year if condoms aren’t being used consistently.

Treating HIV in 2018

The START trial has provided important new evidence, showing that starting treatment as soon as possible after an HIV diagnosis drastically improves health outcomes.

Treatments these days are less toxic, have fewer side effects and are far better at fighting the HIV virus than they once were.

New treatments also make reaching an undetectable viral load [+U] possible for more people.

People living with HIV who are on anti-retroviral treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load for at least six months do not transmit HIV through sex.

Remember, however, that an undetectable viral load only protects against HIV - not any other STIs. So it's still really important to use condoms when hooking up with casual partners.

What can you do?

Keep yourself informed about HIV – how it is transmitted and what prevention tools are out there.

Take responsibility for reducing HIV transmission risk when you are having sex, no matter what your status.

Be mindful of how you communicate. When you are chatting to someone on an app, at a club or anywhere else, consider whether or not the words you are choosing could be stigmatising.

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The NZAF is passionately committed to working hand in hand with partners and the community to end HIV in New Zealand. By staying safe, testing often and treating early we can stop HIV in its tracks. Read more...